5.26 Social Media Policy
Related Minnesota State Board Policy: 5.22 Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources
Related Minnesota State Board Procedure: 5.22.1 Acceptable Use of Computers and Information Technology Resources
Purpose: Social media platforms are essential tools for connecting with Normandale Community College’s current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community. This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of those managing the college’s social media presence and defines the use of the college’s accounts to engage with their followers.
Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to expand, diminish, or alter academic freedom articulated under college policy and system collective bargaining agreements.
Part 1: Definitions
Social Media Platforms: Online platforms that enable users to create and share content, participate in social networking, and build communities. Examples include Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
College Accounts: Social media accounts created and managed by Normandale College staff, departments, recognized student groups, or representatives.
- Main College Accounts are targeted at the audiences of the college
- Associated College Accounts are targeted at audiences of recognized student organizations and departments
Content Providers: College employees, students, and representatives designated to develop, post, and manage content for designated social media accounts.
Digital Media Producer: The position responsible for overseeing the college's social media strategy on the Main College Accounts and providing training and support to Content Providers.
Part 2: Responsibilities
Subpart A: Digital Media Producer
- Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy for the Main College Accounts.
- Establish and maintain content guidelines for all college social media accounts.
- Provide training and support to Content Providers on social media best practices.
- Develop and post content on Main College Accounts that adheres to content guidelines and accessibility standards.
- Monitor, analyze, and report social media activity and engagement metrics on Main College Accounts, adjusting strategy as needed.
- Monitor content and comments on all college social media accounts for compliance with content and comment guidelines, and take corrective action as warranted.
Subpart B: Content Providers
- Complete social media training provided by the Digital Media Producer.
- Develop and post content on Associated College Accounts that adheres to content guidelines.
- Respond to comments and messages on Associated College Accounts promptly and professionally.
- Remove and report any comments or messages on Associated College Accounts that are not in compliance with the comment guidelines to the Digital Media Producer.
Part 3: Acceptable Use
Subpart A: The management and use of Normandale Community College’s social media accounts is conditioned on adherence to this policy and any procedures or guidelines adopted pursuant to this policy.
Subpart B: This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in social media best practices and the college's evolving need.
Policy History:
Department Owner:
Date of Adoption:
Date of Implementation:
Date and Subject of Revisions:
Next Review Date (4 years):